Nipple necrosis?! Day 10 after breast reduction. (Photo)

Question

Since day 1, my right nipple and areola have been purple. I'm trying to maintain a positive attitude but I am quite afraid that I'll have to go back under the knife. As of right now, I've been told to apply Polysporin 4 times a day to keep moist.

Anthony A. Admire, MD, FACS · Answer

It looks like you have more venous congestion than true nipple necrosis. Close f/u with your surgeon is a must. Some early treatment options can save that nipple such as releasing some sutures, using topical vasodilators, etc. Best of luck.

Brian E. Rosett, MD · Answer

Hey there.  From the pictures it would appear that you do not have necrosis of your nipple, especially if this is day 10.  Sometimes after a breast reduction, especially after a big reduction you can have some decreased blood flow to the nipple which can result in a spectrum of results from loss of the superficial skin layer to partial or complete nipple loss.  My guess is that you’re definitely towards the less servere aspect of that spectrum.  Keep putting the polysporin on and continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon.  There’s a chance that a small amount of superficial skin may fall off leaving young new skin under that.  If you were African American that skin is usually less dark but in caucasian patients its generally not significantly different in color.  If you do have some minor loss (which I really dont think you will have) it can be fixed in the office with some numbing medication and a few stitches.  It’s also important that you are not smoking to optimize healing.

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thank you for our question and photo.  Sorry to hear about your complication after surgery.  From what I can see, you have bruising of the upper half of the areola.  By day 10, if you had necrosis, the area would be black, hard, and dry.  You may end up with some superficial skin loss, but I doubt you will lose your entire nipple.  Best to follow your surgeon’s wound care instructions.  Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear hr.family,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations. Make sure to follow his/her instructions.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Charles Durrant, MA, MBBS, FRCS(plast) · Answer

Hi,
Your nipple looks more bruised and congested than necrotic. My only concern at this stage is that your right breast looks significantly larger than your left (although this might just be the angle of the photograph). If there is a collection of blood in the breast then this might be compressing the pedicle that supplies the nipple with blood and could cause congestion. I would recommend close follow-up with your PS. good luck

Nipple necrosis?! Day 10 after breast reduction. (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Nipple necrosis

Answer: Nipple necrosis

Answer: Swollen?

Answer: Swollen?

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Nipple necrosis?! Day 10 after breast reduction. (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Nipple necrosis

Answer: Nipple necrosis

Answer: Swollen?

Answer: Swollen?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.